It’s looking less and less likely that Roberto Luongo would be traded
to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Has the goaltending for the Leafs been great? Some
nights yes, some nights no. But there is a few reasons why this trade will not
occur. The Leafs have lost the depth up front they once had just after the
lockout ended. They've traded Matthew Lombardi to the Phoenix Coyotes (to free
up a roster spot), they waived and sent to the minors Tim Connolly. They then
lost Keith Aucoin to waivers (claimed by the NYI), then Joffrey Lupul broke his
forearm Wednesday and is out 6 weeks. After looking at the start that Nazem
Kadri & Tyler Bozak have had.... guessing the Canucks wish they would have
acquired them when they had a chance.
If the Leafs decide on getting another goalie outside of the
organization, look for it to be Jonathan Bernier from the LA Kings. The
defending cup champs have a desperate need for defenseman, that is something the
Leafs have more than enough of. But, the Kings are currently seeking a top four
de-man; would the Leafs part with Carl Gunnarsson or John-Michael Liles? And
would LA want either of those two back in return? It would be a forgone
conclusion that Cody Franson wouldn’t be enough in return for the Kings to part
with Bernier. In the offseason, the Kings could have got Matt Frattin and a
draft pick; but like the Canucks option; the Kings now should regret not making
the move.
Would the Leafs want a 33 year old goalie with 10 years left on his
contract; not a chance. Would Bernier a major upgrade compared to the two Leaf
goalies now? Bernier to me is more unproven then Andrew Raycroft, Leaf fans
remember acquiring him years ago, in hopes of the former Bruin becoming “the
goalie of the future”. It’s obvious the Leafs are going with what they have for
the season. Keep in mind there are free agent goalies like Nicklas Backstrom
(starting goalie in Minnesota) & Jose Theodore who are available on July
1.
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